To grow your seedlings quickly and successfully, you need to keep them at a constant temperature. One great way to do this is by using a heat mat.
Heat Mat will keep your plants warm and healthy. These mats are also great for cold weather, so you don’t need to worry about them losing heat when the temperature dips.
In this blog, we will give you some reminders on using a heat mat for your growing seedlings properly.
What is a Heat Mat?
Generally, Heat Mats are the only tool you can use to warm the soil for your seeds to grow faster, more vigorous and healthy seedlings.
Heat mats are beneficial for gardening, especially if you have a vegetable garden in your home. With a heat mat in your garden, you can germinate your seeds quickly and keep your soil warm if you are in a cold area.
If you wonder what the heat mat looks like, it is only a sheet of plastic embedded with heating elements. The heat mat heats up to protect the plants planted above it when it is turned on.
Usually, some essential heat mats available in the market today will turn themselves off and on when you plug them into the electricity socket.
They also contain a temperature regulator that maintains the heat mat’s temperature to the specified heat that is good for your seeds to germinate.
And to make sure that the germination of your seed gets effective, using your heat mat in the early growing season will accelerate the sprouting of your seed without a doubt.
How To Use A Heat Mat?
The heat mat is a beautiful device to help grow seedlings. It has been proven that the seedlings are healthier, faster, and easier to succeed when using the heat mat.
When looking for ways to grow fresh produce, finding the time and energy to maintain a garden can be challenging.
But with the use of a heat mat, you can bypass the need for expensive greenhouses or even outdoor gardening.
Heat mats are safe and easy to use, but they will only work if you have an appropriate environment for them. With some planning and creativity, you may be able to incorporate this into your busy schedule.
Here are some of the instructions on how to use your heat mat to accelerate your seeds’ germination process.
STEP 1: Know the temperature and light needs of your seeds.
Before germinating your seed, the first step you should take is to know the temperature and light exposure it needs to grow.
To determine the best temperature light exposure to use for seed germination, you should check your seed packets and use the instructions on the package.
But usually, some seeds can take the germination without light. Some need lights when they are starting to sprout.
STEP 2: Place your Heat Mat.
Make sure to use a heat mat to ensure your seedlings get the best possible conditions. Placing them underneath the seed starting tray, where you plant your seeds, will help them to germinate quickly. Give it a few days, as the mat may need to warm the soil in deep or large pots.
STEP 3: Check the soil daily.
Make sure to take care of the temperature of your soil by checking it every day. It includes using a soil thermometer to make sure that there are even temperatures across the surface.
You should also occasionally check your heating mat with a thermostat to make sure it is accurately reading the current temperature.
NOTE: If you notice that your soil is too warm, then it is recommended that you should raise the seed starting tray with a piece of wood or potholder.
STEP 4: Take them in a light environment after they germinate.
Lastly, when your seedlings have germinated, you should remove them from any heat source and place them under bright light as soon as possible to keep the plants healthy.
But if it’s your room has a cool space, the seedlings might need to stay on the mats for a little longer as the air temperature warms up.
Safety Tips To Use A Heat Mat
Many people are hesitant to use a heat mat because they are afraid that their plants will burn. This is a common myth.
With the right temperature and placement, you can use a heat mat to help you grow your plants much faster.
Here are some tips, or what should I say a reminder, if you are using a heat mat when germinating seeds.
Tip 1
To make your plants thrive at room temperature, it’s best to select those seeds that grow well in environments with similar temperatures. This way, you won’t have to worry about continually adjusting the heat mat because individual needs will balance themselves out.
Tip 2
If you are looking to use a wide variety of plants that need different types of heating, you should buy multiple heat mats. However, if you have only a few plants that can germinate at colder temperatures, it may not be worth buying one.
Tip 3
Your seed package should provide instructions for the best planting temperature. Checking it out will help you plan what to plant in the ground or containers.
Tip 4
The optimal growing environment for seeds is between 65-75 degrees. To help maintain these conditions, make sure to use a heat mat thermostat set to any temperatures above.
Tip 5
Watch out for seedlings as they start to sprout and turn off the heat mat. Once they do, store the mat for the next planting season.
Tip 6
Invest in a thermostat to prevent overheating.
Tip 7
Even if your heat mat is waterproof, you’ll need to make sure the wiring doesn’t come in contact with water. It’s essential to keep a watchful eye out for this. However, it’s an easy precaution to follow.
Tip 8
The best way to use your heat mat is by plugging it into a surge protector or GFI outlet so that you don’t receive electrical shocks. If you’re using an extension cord, make sure that it’s a heavy-duty grounded extension cord and that you plug it into a surge protector or GFI outlet.
Final Statement
Heat mats are a great way to keep growing seedlings warm. It is also an affordable and convenient option for those who live in colder climates.
They are easy to use and can fit any size or shape of your choice.
If you are looking for a way to improve the quality of life for both you and your plants, consider using a heat mat.
It will help give your seedlings the warmth they need without costing you an arm and a leg.
Reference:
Image from Ohuhu seedlings heat mat